Snow clean up costs continue to rise in Wayne

WAYNE - A total of 66 inches of snow has fallen in Wayne Township since the first storm occurred on Dec. 8-9, 2013, with yet another storm predicted at press time for Feb. 26.

According to statistics kept by Department of Public Works Superintendent of Operations Tim Collins, there were five instances where straight salt was used on roadways. As the storms continued to pummel the area, salt become an even higher commodity, so the township began combining salt and grit and when the situation allowed, the art of brining was utilized, which only calls for using only a small amount of salt. However over six storms called for the need for salting along with brining, a sign of just how bad this winter season has been so far.

As for snow plowing, there were eight instances where township plows were used and five times where outside contractors were called in as and twice where backup from the Wayne Fire Department and Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad were used, which took place in December 2013.

As Mother Nature took a break in the action when temperatures shot up to the 50s last week, a much needed shipment of salt arrived in Port Newark from Chile. At press time, Wayne Township remained at a very meager 200 to 250 tons of salt. Collins said the township was on the list for only 100 tons but that's not set in stone.

"It's good but it doesn't cut it," he said. "I've been back and forth with the salt company and the trucking company who delivers the salt. I even told them I would come in on the weekend - even at midnight if I had to - if they were going to deliver some. It seems very odd - some places get salt some do not. "

Collins added, "The county and the state say they have no salt yet they are out on the roads using straight salt on blacktop roadways. I don't understand it."

Wayne Township utilizes 13 large plows that also salt, 11 small plows that also salt, and 10 to 12 additional trucks that plow only, in addition to five private outside contractors, said Collins.

When a snow event occurs, the initial response team includes 24 or 25 trucks, three mechanics on hand in case equipment require servicing so it can go back on the road, and three foremen assigned to various zones on the road, one to over see the mechanics, and one to handle the snow desk which consists of incoming calls and the radio, Collins said.

As the winter winds down, the effects will linger

Because the township was so low on salt throughout the winter, grit had to be used in various forms, which obviously leaves behind much residue on roadways. The process of street sweeping, which begins whenever the winter season ends, is a lengthy process. Throughout past seasons, girt was not as necessary as it's been this year. The township has only one street sweeper and once the hopper is filled, it must be taken off the road and emptied then it's returned to the roadways. Time must also be allotted for the grit to get caught in the sweeper's brushes too which is quickly tended to as well.

"The first go around will take a lot longer," said Collins. "This is the winter that does not want to go away."

Costs for street sweeping could be twice as expensive as last year, Collins said.

Residue that is collected by the sweeper is stockpiled at the DPW yard and the township pays an outside contractor to haul it away. During a regular season just one haul is required but this year it may require two.

Another option Collins is pondering is renting what's known as a shaker that separates the grit that is stored away for re-use in future years.

"That would require the cost of renting the machine and the added manpower but it could prove worthy because we can re-use the grit," added Collins.